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Overview

Symptoms include persistent coughing (especially at night), wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Although the exact cause of asthma is unknown, experts do know that symptoms can be caused by a variety of triggers, including exposure to allergens (such as pollens, dust mites, mold spores and pet dander), exposure to inhaled irritants (such as household cleaners and tobacco smoke), viral infections and exercise.

Asthma can complicate other medical conditions. To learn how to manage your asthma during illness or pregnancy, use the links below: